It's that time of year when we clean out the old, and bring in the new. We can also do that with our old indoor winter workout routines. Change is good for the mind, spirit and body. So change it up by heading outdoors. You don't need much to get a great Head to Toe workout, just be creative. There are lots of things you can use in place of exercise equipment. Head out to the park and lets begin. All you need is you. Your own body weight and a few benches or playground items will do the trick. Here are just a few examples of what you can do. Find a park benchA park bench, or any other elevated flat piece of equipment in your park - is the perfect height for Step Ups, Plyometric jumps, push ups, dips, and abdominal work (see outdoor sit-ups in photo above). While the kids play While the kids are having fun in the playground, get your work out in on the monkey bars. They are great for chin-ups and pull ups. Are there ropes in your playground? Hold onto the ropes firmly to create a wave-like motion for an ultimate arm workout.Pack a workout bag A lot of outdoor friendly exercise equipment is light, inexpensive and easily transportable. Resistance bands are a great option for transporting to outdoor workout sessions. They come in a variety of styles, and resistance levels, from highly stretchable to heavy-duty strength, and can be used to work almost every part of the body, including arms, legs and core. The two types we will describe here are tubes, which are tube bands with handles (think of a cross between a jump rope and a rubber band), and therapy bands. Resistance tubes: One workout idea is bicep curls! Stand with your feet places in over the middle of the band. Hold a handle in each hand, and with your arms down at your sides, slowly begin lifting your arms at the elbow for a good bicep contraction. Repeat for a total of 10-12 curls.

Resistance Bands (or resistance loops) are also inexpensive and light enough to throw in a backpack.

Squat Monster Walks: (pictured on left) Tie the resistance bands just above the ankle. Assume a normal squat position, feet hip-width apart. Lower into your squat, and with leg and core muscles engaged, sidestep to the right, bringing your left leg towards the right leg. Be sure to keep enough distance between the legs to maintain resistance in the band. Continue to the right side 10 times. Then reverse, stepping to the left side for a count of 10.

Mini exercise balls are also a great idea. Ours is tiny, and weighs only 3 pounds, but is just enough weight to ensure that we are getting an all-over workout. Mini balls can be incorporated into almost any exercise. For example, add an arm component while doing lunges (pictured at left). Standing with feel hip-width apart, take a large step forward with the right foot so that the knee is bent 90 degrees and the thigh is parallel to the floor. At the same time, while holding the mini ball and keeping the arms straight, raise the arms over the head. Bring the arms down as you push off the right foot to return to the starting position. Repeat on the left side.

Another idea: increase squat resistance by placing the mini ball between the legs, right above the knee. Squeeze the ball with the inner thighs as you lower into each squat. Release gently (but don’t drop the ball!) when you raise to return to the starting position. So just get outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun and have fun!. You will feel good and look good by Memorial Day.